Heat a large pan or wok, add 2-3 tsp oil.
Add the sliced onion and saute till it starts changing color.
Add the ginger- garlic paste or thin slices of ginger and garlic.
Mix everything for a minute and add the green chilies.
Add the tomato slices and a little salt. Mix well. Cook till the tomato slices have become soft and mushy.
Add the remaining ¼ tsp of turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder and the vegetable masala. You can substitute with curry powder or a combination of 1-2 tsp extra coriander powder and some garam masala.
Saute till oil starts separating from it and the masala is roasted well. You can sprinkle some water to prevent burning. Cook on medium-low flame.
Add the vegetables (cooked(fresh vegetables) and uncooked (frozen ones), salt and 1-2 cups of water or second extract of coconut milk.
Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes till the vegetables are cooked well and the water content has reduced down.
Lower the flame and add the coconut milk (first extract or canned).
Mix well and check the salt. Allow the coconut milk to warm up and switch off. Do not let it boil or the coconut milk could curdle.
Garnish with cilantro and serve with roti or Malabar porotta or rice.